Guigal La Landonne Cote Rotie 2002

One of the powerhouses of the Rhône and a name synonymous with beautifully crafted wines from some of the regions finest vineyard sites. After 15 years working at Vidal-Fleury, Etienne Guigal formed his own estate in 1946, joined by his son Marcel in 1961 and by 1984, they had purchased Vidal-Fleury and took control of 35% of the Côte Rôtie harvest. They purchased the Château d'Ampuis in 1995, today fully restored, it is the headquarters of the estate and home to the Guigal cooperage. Marcel's son, Phillipe is the winemaker and Guigal produce a range of stunning wines from across the terroirs of the Rhône.

Wine Advocate #163 (Feb 2006) Robert Parker (90-93) points Drink 2006-2021. The star of the 2002 La La’s is the 2002 Cote Rotie La Landonne. Aromas of burning embers, scorched earth, truffles, and black cherries are followed by an unexpectedly deep, rich wine that is best consumed over the next 12-15 years.

Marcel and Philippe Guigal, never content to rest on their already impressive credentials, announced that in the future, they expect to release another single vineyard Cote Rotie from a 3.7 acre parcel in the Viria vineyard on the Cote Brune. The first vintage or two will probably be added to the Chateau d’Ampuis. If the potential turns out to be as exceptional as they believe, lovers of these great wines will have a fourth single vineyard Cote Rotie called Viria to contemplate.

There are many admirable things about Marcel Guigal, but most significant is that he has been a qualitative locomotive that has brought attention to the Rhone Valley, and has raised the quality bar for the entire region. More importantly, he realizes that most consumers will have access only to his least expensive wines from the Cotes du Rhone, so he has made every effort to continue to increase the quality of both his white and red Cotes du Rhones. His Cotes du Rhone whites have jumped in quality as he has settled on a general blend of approximately 50% Viognier and the rest Roussanne, Marsanne, Clairette, Bourboulenc, and Grenache Blanc

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